Abstract: A method for regulating fermentation of organic material, such as cocoa beans and pulp is disclosed. The method includes adding at least one strain of lactic acid bacteria and/or acetic acid bacteria to the organic material. Optionally, at least one strain of yeast is added. Bacterial strains and compositions, useful in the described method, are also disclosed. The use of the described starter cultures and compositions permits faster fermentation, fermentations with targeted population dynamics and succession of microorganisms, and fermentations with targeted levels of both desirable and undesirable metabolites.